Preview: Gameweek 5: Super Sunday

Its Super Sunday as two classic games are scheduled today. One the old rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United, the second being the new rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal. The other matches see Newcastle face Norwich and Spurs play against QPR, which will be great entertainment for football lovers.

Liverpool v Man Utd at Anfield – 13:30 BST/18:00 IST

Despite all rivalries across Europe, there is no bigger match than the Liverpool v Man Utd game. It is considered “England’s Biggest Rivalry”. Stakes are high for both teams where they want to make fans happy to claim bragging rights. This match is surrounded by drama as it’s the first home match for Liverpool after revelations of the Hillsborough disaster, which makes for a tense atmosphere before kick-off. Also, there is the issue of the pre-match handshake between Evra and Suarez after last season’s spat, so all eyes will be on them.

Liverpool will be looking for their 1st win of the season as they are yet to taste victory in PL, considering their form is way below par whereas Man Utd are riding high on a winning streak as they are 2nd in the PL table winning their last 3 matches. The form doesn’t count in this type of match, only good football on the pitch matters the most. Man Utd have a bad record at Anfield, so SAF will be looking for a turn-around and improve the performance at Liverpool. Brendan Rodgers’ side will look for a first home win of the season, where they perform better against Man Utd and it will be great boost for them to get 3 points against rivals. This match is unpredictable, hence chances of a draw are high but I am going for an away victory for the Red Devils as they are on top form and have the players to get 3 points at Liverpool.

Players to watchout for Liverpool – Gerrard, Suarez, Skrtel and ReinaPlayers to watchout for Man Utd – Van Persie, Valencia, Carrick and Vidic

Prediction – Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United

Newcastle United v Norwich City at Sports Direct Arena – 15:00 BST/19:30 IST

Newcastle will look to get back on winning ways after not winning their last 3 matches whereas Norwich will be looking for their first win of the season as they have drawn the last 3 games and lost the first one. The Toons are on a good run on home turf as they have lost only 1 match out of 12 in 2012. They will like to have 3 points to get back in top half of table. On the other side, Chris Houghton returns to Tyneside for the first time since the dismissal and will look to get a result but it will be tough for the Canaries. It’s a difficult task as they have not kept a clean sheet away from home in 35 games. I am predicting an easy home victory as Newcastle have only lost once at home this year and Norwich are unable to keep a clean sheet away so Alan Pardew’s men should come out victorious.

Players to watchout for Newcastle – Demba Ba, Cisse and Ben ArfaPlayers to watchout for Norwich – Holt, Bassong and Snodgrass

Prediction – Newcastle United 2-0 Norwich City

Manchester City v Arsenal at Etihad Stadium – 16:00 BST/20:30 IST

–> The 2nd big game of the week as Man City face Arsenal, a new rivalry has began between these two. Both teams have not lost a single match this season and have the same points. The form is not convincing from last season’s Champions whereas Arsenal have made good progress to be at this position at start of the season. Arsene Wenger will want his players to continue the good work against City, as it’s the biggest test for them. Gunners will look to break the record of Man City at Etihad where they have not lost a match in last 31 games winning 29. Roberto Mancini will look for reaction from his players after their mid-week defeat in last moments against Real Madrid which must have broken some hearts of Man City fans so they will want to prove with a big win against Arsenal. This match is very tricky as both teams are in good form and an unbeatable run but Man City will want to continue to keep Etihad a fortress with a win but this time Arsenal will try to stop them. I go for an entertaining draw.

Players to watchout for Man City – Tevez, Silva, Yaya Toure and KompanyPlayers to watchout for Arsenal – Podolski, Gervinho, Arteta and Vermalen

Prediction – Man City 1-1 Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur v QPR at White Hart Lane – 16:00 BST/20:30 IST

–> Tottenham face a QPR side which has very poor record away from home as they have not won a single match away and also not able to keep clean sheet on road. Spurs will be looking for an easy day out after mid-week against Lazio where they were disallowed 3 goals and had to settle for a stalemate. Last week Spurs won against Reading and AVB will look for first home win of the season as they are looking good after early season poor form. QPR last week settled for a draw against Chelsea where they played well to get a point, Mark Hughes side will look for some improvement in away form but it looks like they have to wait. Spurs have too much in attacking third and it would be a surprise if they don’t win .

Players to watchout for Tottenham – Defoe, Bale and DembelePlayers to watchout for QPR – Zamora, Park and Granero

Prediction – Tottenham 3-1 QPR